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Glite Dictionary
🎨 A folk painting ⛪ An altar screen
retablo

retablo

9.9
A decorated structure behind a church altar with paintings and carvings
  • noun
  • /rɪˈtɑːbloʊ/
  • UK
translation icon : retablo
  • Restorers carefully cleaned the centuries-old retablo to reveal its original details.

Examples

  • The church features a stunning retablo made of gold.

  • Can you see the retablo behind the altar?

  • The ornate retablo in the cathedral was covered in gold leaf and intricate carvings.

  • Visitors admired the colorful paintings on the old wooden retablo behind the altar.

  • The ornate retablo behind the altar features intricate carvings of biblical scenes.

  • In the old church, the retablo is adorned with vibrant colors and detailed sculptures of saints.

  • Visitors admire the retablo, which showcases the skill of artisanal craftsmanship in its decorative elements.

Synonyms

altarpiece
vsretablo
1 8.6

A painted or carved panel placed above and behind an altar in a church showing religious pictures

is a larger structural screen rather than just a decorative panel
reredos
vsretablo
  • Specialized
9.9

A decorated screen behind and above a church altar

includes three-dimensional sculptures as well as paintings and carvings
retable
vsretablo
  • Specialized
9.9

Decorated screen behind an altar that holds candles or religious art

focuses on being ornamental rather than mainly used to hold items

Surface Forms

retablo singular
retablos plural

Etymology

Retablo comes from Latin parts retro- 'behind' and tabula 'table' or 'board'. So a retablo is the decorated structure or screen placed 'behind' the altar, which is why the word refers to the ornate back of a church altar.